As the market for both recycled and engineering plastics continues to expand, UK-based Axion Polymers, one of the most advanced plastics recycling facilities in Europe, offers the best of both worlds. The company has announced the launch of three new Axpoly polymer grades recycled from end-of-life automotive and WEEE resources. Development and the introduction of the new ABS, PE and PP grades came on the heels of the company’s further investment in its refinery plant to increase extrusion capacity and improve melt filtration technology.

The newest grade of post-consumer recycled ABS engineering polymer is being marketed under the name Axpoly ABS52 1000, and, according to Axion, offers significant carbon savings of 70% when compared with virgin plastics. It is said to be suitable for molding parts that require durability, longevity, strong puncture strength and good dimensional stability, such as automotive trim components like car wing mirrors and car bumpers.

This polymer is currently being used in the development of new applications for customers ‘who value these tough material properties’ and are seeking an ‘economic solution with high environmental benefits’, according to Steve Bell, Axion Polymers Commercial Operations Manager.

The new ABS also boasts good electrical insulation properties, making it suitable for use in enclosures for domestic products like vacuum cleaners and kitchen appliances. Customized variations on the standard grade’s physical properties requirements, such as flame retardant versions, are also offered.
 
Axion’s AxpolyPE51 1090 is a new grade of polyethylene offering carbon savings of 53% versus virgin grades. With properties similar to HDPE, it is suitable for products such as pallets, boxes and shipping containers or other general purpose molded items where durability and good water resistance is required.
 
The third new grade is a high flexural modulus polypropylene called Axpoly PP51 1093, strong enough to withstand an applied top load without flexing.  According to Axion, it is ideal for construction and civil engineering applications, such as internal support structures for rainwater drainage tanks.

“As a new engineering polymer, Axpoly PP51 1093 is an innovative example of a customer-driven variant of Axion’s standard PP grade—Axpoly PP51 1000—and demonstrates how we can tailor-make compounds to meet challenges from our customer base,” said Steve Bell.
 
Axion’s Axpoly PP51 1000 standard grade is widely used in a range of versatile applications, including automotive components, packaging, pipes, drainage goods, flower pots and general purpose items from loudspeakers to hinges.